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History Decades

Twice in our past, brave writers have undertaken the task of putting the Youth Department history into print. The first was Matilda Erickson, the very first secretary in the first youth department working with the first director, M. E. Kern. The second one was tried by a historian by the name of Nathaniel Krum, under the guidance of the newly-elected world youth director, Theodore Lucas. No matter how hard one tries, the story gets abbreviated, lost in time, fuzzy and less precise. Also, it easily gets reduced to a few names and dates. We forget that these were/are people; people who loved God; people who have tons of exciting moments, difficult moments, shattered moments, moments we could all learn valuable lessons from. The true heroes are the youth of the past, present and future who follow our aim, “The Advent message to all the world in my generation.”

In this website we are offering you a summary of our history. For a detail history of youth ministries refer to the “AY Story.” (See resources)

Junior Missionary Volunteer Manual

Our Theme

We are a global movement of destiny, united in purpose and mission, yet diverse in culture, language, geography, economy, and heritage. It is through the power of Christ and His Spirit that we can celebrate our unity in the midst of such diversity. In a world of ethnic and national divide, this exquisite expression of unity in Jesus is the most powerful expression of the reality of the gospel in the midst of God’s people.

Our Mission

To lead young people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and help them embrace His call to discipleship.